Following community consultation, construction on the first stage of council’s La Balsa Park landscape plan is on track to start as scheduled in mid-April.

This stage includes a minor upgrade of the most eastern car park, which will provide seven extra parking spaces and a general tidy up of the area (as depicted in attached image).

Council CEO Michael Whittaker said the landscape plan had been adopted by council in October 2015 following community consultation.

“The 1.5 hectare La Balsa Park is becoming more popular with locals and visitors, especially families, and this plan will help council ensure the facilities are suitable for the large number of people using them,” Mr Whittaker said.

“This first stage of work was identified as the community’s priority during consultation and the additional car parking will allow more people to enjoy the area.

“Future stages of the landscape plan, including the western car park near the boat ramp, will be discussed further with the community, the new divisional councillor and the full council.”

There is currently no funding allocated to the western car park in council’s ten year capital works program.

Other upgrades identified in the landscape plan include playgrounds, refurbished and more accessible toilet blocks, wider pathways, improved access to the river for swimming and non-motorised water craft, and larger barbecues.